Continue to safe guard the integrity of our athletes

THE COMING into being of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO) in 2008, by an act of Parliament, completed an important chapter in Jamaica in the fight against the use of prohibited, performance enhancement substances in the field of amateur athletics and sporting competition. The passage of the legislation signalled our embrace of the harmonised antidoping standards stipulated by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

In recognition of this important milestone, I would like to add my commendation to JADCO for its overall work in establishing the commission as an important organisation in the field of anti-doping in sport, and for its diligence over the last 10 years in safeguarding the integrity of our athletes on the local and international stage.

Your mandate to ensure clean competition, and building bridges and alliances in maintaining global best practices, is captured in the theme capped for these celebrations, ‘Keeping Sport Clean, Forging Better Partnerships’, which reminds us of the continuous challenge to maintain our reputation, celebrate sportsmanship and support clean competition. PROTECTING JAMAICA’S GOOD NAME

JADCO is, therefore, deserving of our approbation for earning the respect and confidence of WADA in such short order. Today, I would like to offer the appreciation of the Opposition to those who have played a role in protecting Jamaica’s good name and high standards in sports competition.

As we look forward to the continued work of JADCO, I would like to encourage the leadership of the organisation to continue the programme of education and outreach among our athletes and stakeholders to broaden awareness of the anti-doping regulatory landscape. As a sport enthusiast, I am heartened that many individuals and associations have benefited from the information provided, as is evident in their efforts to adhere to the standards set out in the regulations.

PETER D. PHILLIPS Leader of the Opposition